FAIRFIELD, CONN. - A goal in the 82nd minute sunk the Niagara women's soccer team's (9-5-1, 4-3-0 MAAC) chances to sweep a MAAC weekend, falling to the host Fairfield Stags (8-7-2, 4-2-1 MAAC) by a 1-0 score on Sunday afternoon. The 1-0 setback currently places the Purple Eagles just one point out of a playoff spot heading into the final weekend of the season.

Jasmin Corneil scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, when she ripped a shot past senior goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers. Niagara tried to find the equalizer, but couldn't in the remaining eight minutes of play.

"This was one of those games that could have gone either way," Niagara women's soccer head coach Peter Veltri said. "We had plenty of chances to score today, but just couldn't capitalize."

Niagara looked strong in the first half, outshooting the host Stags by a 7-5 margin. Stags netminder Kelly Boudreau made five first-half saves to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.

Bowers had to be the backbone of the Purple Eagles defense in the second half, making six of her eight saves in the final 45 minutes. Niagara was able to get three more shots on net in the second half, but they couldn't find the back of the net.

The Purple Eagles close out the regular-season next weekend, hosting Saint Peter's (0-7-0 MAAC) on Friday night and Manhattan (2-5-0 MAAC) on Sunday afternoon in must-win games.

"This sets the stage for a big final weekend of the regular season," Veltri said. "We need to quickly change our focus to Saint Peter's and be ready to go on Friday."